Gulf Strike Team Wins Military Division at 2011 Azalea Trail Run

On March 26, 2011 the 34th annual Azalea Trail Run took off through the streets of downtown Mobile. Amid the blooming Azalea flowers runners battled 80 degree temperatures with a humidity over 90 percent; so to say the air was heavy is an understatement. Due to a mystery oil spill in South Louisiana, the team lost several great runners to last minute deployments. The team entered the 10k Military Team competition with the minimum five teammates running and could not afford a DNF. The course was flat and fast and the team was tired from injuries and recent deployments. The Kenyan contingent provided tough competition but luckily they were running as individuals and not as a team. The Gulf Strike Team runners ran tough and ultimately prevailed for a first place team finish. They were recognized during the post race awards ceremony inside the Mobile Civic Center. The team was led by Jason Scott, who finished 6th in his age group, followed by Matt Hampton running in Vibram Five Fingers. The Husband and Wife Duo Eric and Crystal Barnett ran side-by-side with Jason Tyger close behind; who the night before the race had returned from a two week training in Florida. The Team represented the Coast Guard by soundly beating all the other military teams and looks forward to future competitions in the Gulf Coast Region.